Man, this is the exact review I've been looking for. I've been heavily debating which Topre board to get and it boiled down to these two. I also just ordered two 60% keyboards (MX) so I'm not sure I want to add a third. Been leaning towards Realforce and I think you just me a good reason to trust my gut.
I have tried both the HHKB and just recently received a RealForce 87UB EK (45g uniform). The HHKB definitely has a distinct sound, but the RealForce is very close. I prefer the RealForce so far, just because of the layout. I had the HHKB for two weeks, and found the need to chord for many of my keystrokes (I am a programmer, so a lot of Fn key shortcuts) distracting. I want my keyboard to be high quality, but I also want it to not impede my typing, so RealForce was a definite winner for me.
I have tried both the HHKB and just recently received a RealForce 87UB EK (45g uniform). The HHKB definitely has a distinct sound, but the RealForce is very close. I prefer the RealForce so far, just because of the layout. I had the HHKB for two weeks, and found the need to chord for many of my keystrokes (I am a programmer, so a lot of Fn key shortcuts) distracting. I want my keyboard to be high quality, but I also want it to not impede my typing, so RealForce was a definite winner for me.
Interesting review. I had a different experience personally, having started with a Leopold and then moved on to a HHKB Type-S, and it seems most people find that the HHKB, due to its case-mounted rather than plate-mounted switches, has a more organic feeling and sound to it, which I agree with.
I agree with how the RF feels more premium of the two. However, after using both for quite some time now, I actually like how the HHKB sound better.
Maybe it's due to the plastic case but I dig the sound more, especially with 55g in the HHKB. I'm looking to get a 660C in the future though so I'm wondering how that sounds. More like the RF?
Nice review, i ordered a hhkb2 as my first topre but i'm alreadu looking to those rf 87u ..
So I've gotten my HHKB Pro 2 since after all this time, I really wanted to try it. What I'm about to say might rustle a few jimmies, but alas, in case anyone is trying to decide whether or not to try it, here are some thoughts.This is the dream. The amount of boards in there. Hehe. I'm having something coming in soon that should look kinda like this :3
The HHKB feels harsher than the Realforce 87U 45g. I'd say that the key weighting feels a bit heavier than the 45g in the Realforce. The sound is a lot harsher since the bottom-out sound is louder, the upstroke has a sharper but lower-pitch sound, and there is quite a noticeable amount of grittiness to the keys (some more than others).
I'm thinking of trying to figure out some way to sound deaden the case and maybe try lubing the stems because right now, it feels like a cheap version of the 87U. The Enter key makes a thud, some keys are quite a bit louder than others, the spacebar makes a bit of a hissing/gritty sound. The outer keys (ASD-L;') sound pretty good (fairly quiet, high pitch 'click' on upstroke) while the central (FGH) keys sound very harsh (hollow thock, loud 'clack' on upstroke). It makes for a pretty uneven typing sound. By comparison, the keys are far more consistent with their sounds on the Realforce boards -- they still vary a bit, naturally, but it sounds like one keyboard.
The layout isn't bad, though it would make a lot more sense to have the backspace/delete keys better sorted (or at least more options using the dip switches). Using the function key for arrows and navigation isn't all too bad, really, though if the function key itself were lighter I think that would feel better for my pinky (it doesn't like heavy keys much).
The build quality is generally pretty good, though the top case is slightly overhanging the bottom case on either side by quite a bit, which feels funny when you pick it up or move it from its sides.
After typing on it for a bit, I can kind of look past some of its qualities, but the moment I type on my Realforce it feels much smoother and more refined, as well as sounding better. The typing angle is noticeably steep. It isn't too bad when I'm sitting, but on my standing desk you can really tell. I suppose this depends entirely on your typing setup.
I really wanted to love the HHKB (at nearly a whopping $400 Canadian by the time it gets here), but right now I'm just not so sure. I do enjoy typing on it still, but it's hard to like it enough to have it worth this much money.
I do like how light it is and having the USB ports on the back is certainly handy at times. I'll probably report back after using it for a few weeks. Right now, between the two, I'd say the Realforce 87U is the better of the two, especially for use around people who might not appreciate the various thocks and clacks from the HHKB. I also really don't think the HHKB is worth the amount I spent on it, though much of that is due to the Canadian dollar and import charges right now.
Here you can see the typing angle of the HHKB vs the 87U (and some other boards):Show Image(http://s16.postimg.org/aoee625hx/Keyboards_1.jpg)
And while I have you here, I might as well show you my KUL ES-87 and QFR with some nice PBT keycaps. :cool: They look better in person as the lighting and white balance is off but you get the general idea.Show Image(http://s16.postimg.org/3jwkx0y8l/Keyboards_2.jpg)
This is the dream. The amount of boards in there. Hehe. I'm having something coming in soon that should look kinda like this :3
I sold my HHKB after about a month they layout just didnt click with me. My daily driver now is a RF 87U 55g and i much prefer it. It feels fantastic and the layout is just what i need.
Most of your observations are probably accurate although which someone prefers will be completely subjective.
The additional sound you get from the HHKB, some people actually prefer. The fact that it feels like it takes slightly more pressure to press down is something some people prefer (It isn't a huge difference). I don't think it is the difference between someone being able to stand sitting next to you and someone not...the HHKB is louder, but it isn't tremendously louder..
The HHKB definitely feels more organic...the HHKB has a much warmer feel to it..but some people will prefer the harder feel of the RF plate and some will not.
The layout is probably the hardest thing for people to get used to..you either spend the time getting used to it and love it....or you never get used to it and hate it....I like 60% but it isn't the game changer TKL is to FULL....
They're both great keyboards....but the feel of the HHKB will either make sense to someone or it won't..
I have the JP Pro2 Type-S, mainly because of the layout is so much closer to a TKL. I love typing on it but in all honesty it isn't worth the $.
I am trying to get my hands on a Realforce, especially to see how the variable boards are vs the uniform.
Do like the size of the HHKB2 ...but can't live without my arrow cluster.. :-[ :-[
i know i know there is a key combo..and so on..
Guess i read the Post again..Living in the EU Realforce board would have to come from the UK and HHKB2 from ebay i think..
But would love an S model. that goes for both options..
Stil thinking it over..
Do like the size of the HHKB2 ...but can't live without my arrow cluster.. :-[ :-[
i know i know there is a key combo..and so on..
Guess i read the Post again..Living in the EU Realforce board would have to come from the UK and HHKB2 from ebay i think..
But would love an S model. that goes for both options..
Stil thinking it over..
love those blanks. gateron maybe?
Also FC660C is another alternative. 60%, has dedicated arrows, and home/end etc. are easier to reach.
So I've gotten my HHKB Pro 2 since after all this time, I really wanted to try it. What I'm about to say might rustle a few jimmies, but alas, in case anyone is trying to decide whether or not to try it, here are some thoughts.
The HHKB feels harsher than the Realforce 87U 45g. I'd say that the key weighting feels a bit heavier than the 45g in the Realforce. The sound is a lot harsher since the bottom-out sound is louder, the upstroke has a sharper but lower-pitch sound, and there is quite a noticeable amount of grittiness to the keys (some more than others).
I'm thinking of trying to figure out some way to sound deaden the case and maybe try lubing the stems because right now, it feels like a cheap version of the 87U. The Enter key makes a thud, some keys are quite a bit louder than others, the spacebar makes a bit of a hissing/gritty sound. The outer keys (ASD-L;') sound pretty good (fairly quiet, high pitch 'click' on upstroke) while the central (FGH) keys sound very harsh (hollow thock, loud 'clack' on upstroke). It makes for a pretty uneven typing sound. By comparison, the keys are far more consistent with their sounds on the Realforce boards -- they still vary a bit, naturally, but it sounds like one keyboard.
The layout isn't bad, though it would make a lot more sense to have the backspace/delete keys better sorted (or at least more options using the dip switches). Using the function key for arrows and navigation isn't all too bad, really, though if the function key itself were lighter I think that would feel better for my pinky (it doesn't like heavy keys much).
The build quality is generally pretty good, though the top case is slightly overhanging the bottom case on either side by quite a bit, which feels funny when you pick it up or move it from its sides.
After typing on it for a bit, I can kind of look past some of its qualities, but the moment I type on my Realforce it feels much smoother and more refined, as well as sounding better. The typing angle is noticeably steep. It isn't too bad when I'm sitting, but on my standing desk you can really tell. I suppose this depends entirely on your typing setup.
I really wanted to love the HHKB (at nearly a whopping $400 Canadian by the time it gets here), but right now I'm just not so sure. I do enjoy typing on it still, but it's hard to like it enough to have it worth this much money.
I do like how light it is and having the USB ports on the back is certainly handy at times. I'll probably report back after using it for a few weeks. Right now, between the two, I'd say the Realforce 87U is the better of the two, especially for use around people who might not appreciate the various thocks and clacks from the HHKB. I also really don't think the HHKB is worth the amount I spent on it, though much of that is due to the Canadian dollar and import charges right now.
Here you can see the typing angle of the HHKB vs the 87U (and some other boards):Show Image(http://s16.postimg.org/aoee625hx/Keyboards_1.jpg)
And while I have you here, I might as well show you my KUL ES-87 and QFR with some nice PBT keycaps. :cool: They look better in person as the lighting and white balance is off but you get the general idea.Show Image(http://s16.postimg.org/3jwkx0y8l/Keyboards_2.jpg)
EDIT
Update (copied from later post):
Although I still maintain all my original critiques of the HHKB, I really do enjoy using it. It's fun to type on and the layout really isn't too bad. I would change a few of the secondary key positions -- they make sense logically where they are, but they are less practical. For example, I would move the 'PrintScreen' from the 'i' to the ']' key just so that it's easier to reach.
I think I'm going to add some sound deadening to the case to reduce the hollowness and hopefully reduce the gritty sounds. I might also lubricate the stems and see if that makes a difference.
I am definitely keeping this keyboard though and I don't regret buying it, even though it cost an unreasonably high amount to get it here in Canada.
One thing is for sure: it has character... and whether or not it's objectively great, it has that second kind of cool that just makes you want to keep hacking away on it.
feeling good that i went with the 87u, I should have it in another week (stuck @ customs). As much as I would want to try the HHKB, the arrow keys are what made me stay away from it, the build quality as suggested by everyone is also better on the realforce, and coming from a cm rapid-i browns the 87u felt like the end game keyboard for my use. cant wait to try it out :)
looking fwd to your impressions since you will have tried both, alot of people wanting to shift on topre's talk about the hhkb and realforce so it will be good information for those wanting to know about all the pro's / con's and other differences of both the boards
I have both the KUL es-87 (clears) and the HHKB Pro 2 white and in black, and I have ordered the 87U in black with 55g as well.
Really curious about how plate-mounted topres feel and the praised build quality of the 87u.
feeling good that i went with the 87u, I should have it in another week (stuck @ customs). As much as I would want to try the HHKB, the arrow keys are what made me stay away from it, the build quality as suggested by everyone is also better on the realforce, and coming from a cm rapid-i browns the 87u felt like the end game keyboard for my use. cant wait to try it out :)
I have both the KUL es-87 (clears) and the HHKB Pro 2 white and in black, and I have ordered the 87U in black with 55g as well.
Really curious about how plate-mounted topres feel and the praised build quality of the 87u.
That's great! I actually changed out my KUL ES-87 from MX Clears to tactile Zealios (mostly 62g) and I like it much more since the notorious ping is pretty much gone entirely.feeling good that i went with the 87u, I should have it in another week (stuck @ customs). As much as I would want to try the HHKB, the arrow keys are what made me stay away from it, the build quality as suggested by everyone is also better on the realforce, and coming from a cm rapid-i browns the 87u felt like the end game keyboard for my use. cant wait to try it out :)
Nice! What weight did you get the 87u in?
If you look at my sig you'll notice I have a wide variety of keyboards and switches at this point and if I had to choose only one, there's a good chance it'd be my 87u in 45g.
I've actually sound-deadened mine with some foam liner and I love it even more. It's the smoothest keyboard I have and it sounds it as well.
Yep a really good cloneI have both the KUL es-87 (clears) and the HHKB Pro 2 white and in black, and I have ordered the 87U in black with 55g as well.
Really curious about how plate-mounted topres feel and the praised build quality of the 87u.
That's great! I actually changed out my KUL ES-87 from MX Clears to tactile Zealios (mostly 62g) and I like it much more since the notorious ping is pretty much gone entirely.feeling good that i went with the 87u, I should have it in another week (stuck @ customs). As much as I would want to try the HHKB, the arrow keys are what made me stay away from it, the build quality as suggested by everyone is also better on the realforce, and coming from a cm rapid-i browns the 87u felt like the end game keyboard for my use. cant wait to try it out :)
Nice! What weight did you get the 87u in?
If you look at my sig you'll notice I have a wide variety of keyboards and switches at this point and if I had to choose only one, there's a good chance it'd be my 87u in 45g.
I've actually sound-deadened mine with some foam liner and I love it even more. It's the smoothest keyboard I have and it sounds it as well.
What are Zealios? Like an MX clone like gateron?
Curious about your foam liner mod.. Care to explain?
What are Zealios? Like an MX clone like gateron?
feeling good that i went with the 87u, I should have it in another week (stuck @ customs). As much as I would want to try the HHKB, the arrow keys are what made me stay away from it, the build quality as suggested by everyone is also better on the realforce, and coming from a cm rapid-i browns the 87u felt like the end game keyboard for my use. cant wait to try it out :)
Nice! What weight did you get the 87u in?
If you look at my sig you'll notice I have a wide variety of keyboards and switches at this point and if I had to choose only one, there's a good chance it'd be my 87u in 45g.
I've actually sound-deadened mine with some foam liner and I love it even more. It's the smoothest keyboard I have and it sounds it as well.
feeling good that i went with the 87u, I should have it in another week (stuck @ customs). As much as I would want to try the HHKB, the arrow keys are what made me stay away from it, the build quality as suggested by everyone is also better on the realforce, and coming from a cm rapid-i browns the 87u felt like the end game keyboard for my use. cant wait to try it out :)
Nice! What weight did you get the 87u in?
If you look at my sig you'll notice I have a wide variety of keyboards and switches at this point and if I had to choose only one, there's a good chance it'd be my 87u in 45g.
I've actually sound-deadened mine with some foam liner and I love it even more. It's the smoothest keyboard I have and it sounds it as well.
i have the 55g white (got it from massdrop) ... am looking for guides for the silencing mod, but i just want to try it out stock first and see how i like it.
Don't mess with perfection!
Anybody care to share how the foam liner mod works? Links? Pics?
Anybody care to share how the foam liner mod works? Links? Pics?
Basically the idea is to fill the inside of the keyboard case with a foam-like material (most commonly used is drawer liner that you can get at the dollar store).
You cut out piece and put them inside so that it takes up the space. I make it so that they're in there somewhat compressed when you close it up.
It reduces the echo/hollow reverb sound and can reduce the downstroke sound as well, depending on how much you put in.
I do it for pretty much all of my keyboards except the Model Ms. It just makes them sound slightly more refined.
As a side-note, the KUL ES-87 opens up like a car hood! When you tilt it towards the front, it latches upwards and stays there. :cool:
This man says the truthDon't mess with perfection!
Listen to Rowds, he knows what he's talking about here :thumb: .
Here's a word to the wise, all those that have messed around with their "thorpies" suddenly find out when they try to put them back together, they lose their original feel then you'll find those exact Einstein's, selling their molested RFs or HHKBs in the Classifieds.
Have to ask yourself, would it be because of their inept molestation of these fine products, that they are forced to get rid of them?
Just found this thread and want to say thanks for sharing your experience. I actually just bought a kul es87 for a dedicated gaming board (coming from a cm qf with browns). Anyways, because this forum i'm now on the topre hunt as well. Its a tough decision between the HHKB and Realforce but between my actual needs and you're persuasive reviews I think the Realforce is going to win out. Just have a couple of questions for you. Are the topre boards as loud as your board with mx browns (im familiar with this sound)? How would you compare the pressure needed to actuate between the mx browns, the 45g topre, and the 55g topre?
I got Cherry Reds on the Kul. I replaced the keycaps with some Ducky thick PBT dye subs in OEM profile which lowered the tone of the keystrokes if/when I bottom out. Sometimes I do and sometimes I don't but I am finding this board consistently quieter than the board with mx browns I had previously used for two years. Haven't had any "ping" in the two weeks i've had the board but still might do the case sound deadening mod. I actually have that exact same material you used in the photos. How many layers do you suggest for the kul?
Not to hijack thread but i'm loving the solid feeling of the Kul from case to plate. I'm leaning more towards the Realforce because i've read it shares that solid board feeling. If I find out the 55g feels easier to keystroke than mx blacks then i'll probably be ordering within a week or so.
Not to hijack thread but i'm loving the solid feeling of the Kul from case to plate. I'm leaning more towards the Realforce because i've read it shares that solid board feeling. If I find out the 55g feels easier to keystroke than mx blacks then i'll probably be ordering within a week or so.
The KUL ES-87 is one of the most well thought-out keyboards I've ever used, if not the most. The build quality and execution is also right up there.
I'm not sure I'd say the 55g is much lighter than MX Black.
Not to hijack thread but i'm loving the solid feeling of the Kul from case to plate. I'm leaning more towards the Realforce because i've read it shares that solid board feeling. If I find out the 55g feels easier to keystroke than mx blacks then i'll probably be ordering within a week or so.
The KUL ES-87 is one of the most well thought-out keyboards I've ever used, if not the most. The build quality and execution is also right up there.
I'm not sure I'd say the 55g is much lighter than MX Black.
Love the KUL. Although I love my 55g 87U as well, I think the KUL has even better build quality.
Not to hijack thread but i'm loving the solid feeling of the Kul from case to plate. I'm leaning more towards the Realforce because i've read it shares that solid board feeling. If I find out the 55g feels easier to keystroke than mx blacks then i'll probably be ordering within a week or so.
The KUL ES-87 is one of the most well thought-out keyboards I've ever used, if not the most. The build quality and execution is also right up there.
I'm not sure I'd say the 55g is much lighter than MX Black.
Love the KUL. Although I love my 55g 87U as well, I think the KUL has even better build quality.
The build quality of the KUL is absolutely top-shelf. It's a shame about the ping, but otherwise it's a very solid keyboard with a thick case plastic and tons of well thought-out features; little details like having multiple rubber pads on the bottom for using the various angles.
Still I'm wondering what's up with that ping. I read about it here but I have not come across it myself or I just don't notice it..
Still I'm wondering what's up with that ping. I read about it here but I have not come across it myself or I just don't notice it..
Just as well. It sounds very much like the old crowbar sound from Half Life. *tong* kind of sound.
Still I'm wondering what's up with that ping. I read about it here but I have not come across it myself or I just don't notice it..
Just as well. It sounds very much like the old crowbar sound from Half Life. *tong* kind of sound.
I may be wrong, but I believe what people refer to as ping is often the sound of the heavy springs in the Clears. Or IS that actually ping?
Still I'm wondering what's up with that ping. I read about it here but I have not come across it myself or I just don't notice it..
Just as well. It sounds very much like the old crowbar sound from Half Life. *tong* kind of sound.
I may be wrong, but I believe what people refer to as ping is often the sound of the heavy springs in the Clears. Or IS that actually ping?
It is ultimately the springs resonating that makes the "ping" noise. When the upstroke reaches the hard end, it makes the spring ping.
Also FC660C is another alternative. 60%, has dedicated arrows, and home/end etc. are easier to reach.But the QC on the white and black ones I've had has been sub par, with the bottoms both being slightly torqued, making them wobble with and without the feet down. I heard this was common though, probably part of the reason Brian at EK stopped selling them honestly.
Also FC660C is another alternative. 60%, has dedicated arrows, and home/end etc. are easier to reach.But the QC on the white and black ones I've had has been sub par, with the bottoms both being slightly torqued, making them wobble with and without the feet down. I heard this was common though, probably part of the reason Brian at EK stopped selling them honestly.
It's the plate twist. I have 660C with this issue. But I'll twisted it in an opposite direction and now it don't wobble at all.
Woah, that keyboard collection. I just bought a black RealForce 87U 55g in white/grey caps on its way.
You mentioned that if you had to pick one keyboard out of your arsenal, you would pick the RF 87U 45g. Do you prefer the 45g over the 55g because the 45g is in TKL, or is it the feel/sound?
BTW, those two sister boards are beautiful. The white one looks friendly and dependable, while the black one looks mysterious, powerful, yet aloof. I really like how you put the colors together, and it even helps navigate through a blank keyboard. 5 tones - who would've thought of that - brilliant idea. I like them so much I saved the photo. I can see the red plate peeping from underneath the black one. Is it foam I see you have stuffed between the plate and PCB? How much does that help? Are these keycaps in OEM profile (as opposed to cherry)? Where'd you get them?
Great review, interesting opinion. I've really been on the hunt for an HHKB pro 2 mainly because I like the layout and form factor, as well as it's relatively steep "elevation", for lack of a better term? I'm a bit new to the scene so I don't what to call that part of the design of a keyboard. Either way, this thread has definitely made me look closer into the realforce 87U despite much more preferring the form factor and layout of the Pro 2. Are there any other Topre boards that come close to mimicking the pro2 design at all?
I like Realforce 45g better , Layout is more better for me :thumb:
Hmmm, I just recieved my HHKB today and I was interested in a Realforce before I bought this, Maybe I should have read your review before. :mad:
LOL the gf said I'm free to buy a realforce next month for my birthday but I'm leaning towards the 45g because of my dainty baby hands can't handle any more than some 40-50g. I have an fc660c and love the weight on that but know for a fact I can't get any heavier than that or my fingers will start fatiguing. When I looked up info on topre weights, I can't seem to get a consensus on how it is because people are saying it's vastly different from mx switches.
In any case, do they sell 45g in the white color scheme because I have a dark wood desk and wanna have the white for aesthetic purposes? In your collection, you have the white casing with black caps so I wasn't sure if there was more modding involved in that one. I'm offloading my hhkb but I don't love it as much as I do the fc660c probably to the plate so I figured I might as well trade one expensive board for another lol
I think the 45g uniform 87U is the "elite keyboards" edition that comes only in black. I have two 87Us, one in black and one in white (55g) and swapped the cases.
I find the 55g 87U to be fatiguing eventually and I end up missing keystrokes because I didn't press hard enough. I can certainly see why so many people prefer it, but it's just not for me, really.
I really want to give the FC660C a try sometime.
I think the 45g uniform 87U is the "elite keyboards" edition that comes only in black. I have two 87Us, one in black and one in white (55g) and swapped the cases.
I find the 55g 87U to be fatiguing eventually and I end up missing keystrokes because I didn't press hard enough. I can certainly see why so many people prefer it, but it's just not for me, really.
I really want to give the FC660C a try sometime.
I think you'll like the fc660c. It's one of the more enjoyable keyboards that I have, from the form factor to the sound and typing experience. I always go back to it.
And too bad about the ek edition. Really wanted it in the white.
Have you tried the variable edition? I'm curious about it but not sure if I wanna take the plunge on it. It seems to be a polarizing subject lol
I really enjoy the HHKB more. :)
How much of a difference is the sound between the White and black realforce keys?
I think the 45g uniform 87U is the "elite keyboards" edition that comes only in black. I have two 87Us, one in black and one in white (55g) and swapped the cases.
I find the 55g 87U to be fatiguing eventually and I end up missing keystrokes because I didn't press hard enough. I can certainly see why so many people prefer it, but it's just not for me, really.
I really want to give the FC660C a try sometime.
I think you'll like the fc660c. It's one of the more enjoyable keyboards that I have, from the form factor to the sound and typing experience. I always go back to it.
And too bad about the ek edition. Really wanted it in the white.
Have you tried the variable edition? I'm curious about it but not sure if I wanna take the plunge on it. It seems to be a polarizing subject lol
I haven't tried it but I actually suspect it's not bad. If you look at the weight map, the alphas are almost all 45g, with 30g for the 1QAZ column on the left and the 9OL. column on the right and over (but not the delete/return/shift column). Only the Escape key is 55g.
It does make quite a bit of sense depending on how you type.
One thing is that the black keycaps sound a bit different than the white ones. I personally prefer the sound although I prefer the look of the light keycaps more.
You could probably buy just the white/grey keycaps afterwards on eBay. It'd be more difficult to get the white case. Someone might want to trade.
How much of a difference is the sound between the White and black realforce keys?
I was thinking about getting a white set for my black 87u
Thanks for your review! It helps alot :thumb:
I'm thinking about buying either HHKB or Realforce to experience torpe switch. Thank you for your detailed review!
Thank you for your comparison review bro! Wow, i have never seen such an in depth explanation of these two Topre boards. I was looking to pick up either a hhkb pro 2 or a realforce. Guess i will have to consider more than just layout? =)
Very informative thread, though I was only interested in be HHKB critiques. I saw some negative comments from at least one programmer, and a couple of people mention difficulties with Home/End, as well as luke warm feelings about the layer 2 arrow cluster. Seems more and more the HHKB might not be cut out for my programming needs (which I suspected due to the keys mentioned above...). I suppose I could get the JP version and get that Hasu controller board and remap to a US-like layout, but that might be more hassle than it's worth; it could also be a lot of (nerdy) fun too. hah
I guess I still have some thinking to do. Too bad there's no where I can think of that would carry these for me to try. The only electronics places near me are Best Buy.
If you need a portable keyboard, the HHKB Pro 2 is the one to go for. It's much lighter than the Realforce, and I'm not sure the RF would even fit on the 13" MBA (I'm almost certain it won't).
Also, it seems like some people prefer the 55g version of the Realforce. It's not available in a silenced version (you mentioned in the other thread that you sometimes work during the evening at home).
I'd say I use the arrow keys and the PgUp/PgDn keys quite a lot, but not the Home/End keys that much. The arrow cluster was extremely easy for me to get used to (I even remapped my Novatouch in a similar way).
You could always buy a HHKB Pro 2, and sell it if you don't like it. It seems like they're easy enough to sell.